Leaders recognize that their time is desired by others, as stated in Proverbs 29.26. Although the reasons for the appointments vary, invariably there’s a request. To respond appropriately, the leader must exercise good judgment. Ultimately, that good judgment is spiritual.
Lot’s of people want face time with a leader. However, the leader’s good judgment for those meetings is from the Lord. Proverbs 29.26 paraphrase
Pressure to Meet
The first half of Proverbs 29.26 states the obvious. Leaders are constantly pressured for appointments from many different people.
It’s a safe bet that almost all those appointments include a request. Invariably, the person meeting with the leader wants something! They’re looking to exert influence.
The second half of the verse addresses the leader’s capacity to exercise good judgment. The Hebrew word used is often translated justice or judgment, as in the three versions of the verse enclosed near the end of this post.
One reading is that as a leader is pressed for decisions, he or she must exercise good judgment to produce sound decisions. Those decisions should be just and fair.
Frame of Reference
The foundation for the precept stated in Proverbs 29.26 is a sound spiritual character. Thus, spirituality is the frame, or perspective, used in this observation.
That said, can leaders make sound decisions without being spiritual? Of course. Similarly, can leaders make sound decisions without a just character? Not likely, I believe.
If a leader is a person of faith, should that leader allow his or her spiritual insights to influence day-to-day professional decisions? Well, that’s the whole premise of Proverbs!
How so? See Proverbs 1.7 and 9.10 for examples of how the reverence premise is stated. Also, read Ecclesiastes 12.13-14.
In short, reverence is the basis for all knowledge and all insight! What’s more, knowledge plus insight drives the level of discernment I have for making decisions.
Ultimately, each of us as leaders must decide about our own spirituality. Primarily, that decision is about reverence. Secondarily, it’s about linking that spirituality to our work as a leader.
Thus, good judgment is spiritual.
Other Interpretations
Like some other verses in Proverbs, this one can be read several different ways. Here are four options. Certainly, you may think of others.
One reading is as follows: Lots of people get in front of a leader but they can only count on justice from the Lord.
A second way to interpret the verse is: I may seek to influence the leader but ultimately, I must answer to God.
A third reading is: We’re looking in the wrong place when we seek favors from people instead of justice from God.
A fourth way is the paraphrase for Proverbs 29.26 I wrote at the beginning of this blog post.
To me, the verse says the following:
A leader makes decisions in a way that’s just, during the press of daily situations, because that leader is responsive to the good judgment given by the Lord.
Thus, most essentially, good judgment is spiritual.
So, Who’s Right?
Fundamentally, the issue here isn’t about a dogmatic or single-minded interpretation of a 3,000 year old observation.
The core issue, I believe, is my ability to understand how a given precept adds value to me – right now! Thus, as I face challenges, I must make sound decisions as guided by the precepts found in the wisdom literature.
I’m not arguing that I get to make up any interpretation I choose. But, I am suggesting that to grow, I should carefully compare word usage across other passages.
As a result of that careful study, I can then form a personal understanding of how to most accurately apply a scriptural precept.
So then, what are the two essential components of Proverbs 29.26? First, access to a person of influence. Second, one or more outcomes from that meeting.
Regardless of the other nuances and interpretations, I must find ways to plug-in those components into my daily life!
The Ruler’s Favor
Each of the scripture versions quoted at the bottom of this post use the phrase “ruler’s favor.” Ruler and rule often translate the same Hebrew word in Proverbs.
For examples of rule (or power), see Proverbs 12.24, 16.32, and 29.2. That same Hebrew word is translated ruler in Proverbs 23.1, 28.15, and 29.26. In short, it pictures someone in a position of authority.
Now the word favor. It’s most frequently translated face. In fact, It’s “face” over 350 times, and “presence” 75 times, in the King James Version. For example, see Proverbs 25.6-7 where the word indicates a physical presence. For face, see Proverbs 21.29.
It’s Ok to read the verse as saying I’m seeking a favor during a face-to-face meeting. However, the literal meaning suggests face time for any number of possible outcomes, not just a favor.
Leadership Insight
Proverbs 29.26 begins with the word “Many.” Thus, the constant pressure felt by leaders to listen and respond.
It would be nice if decision points were linear and spread evenly throughout the month. But, that’s rarely the case!
It’s critical for a leader to consistently exercise good judgment. However, the best leaders consistently exercise good judgment in high pressure, fast-paced environments.
Recently, someone came to my office asking to step down from an administrative assignment. The rationale? Their personal life was presenting so many challenges that they were struggling to keep up with the many demands of being an administrator.
Dealing with the Many
Sometimes the “many” of life will flood over us. The verse here in Proverbs doesn’t provide a simplistic cure-all for those excessive demands. It recognizes that life happens.
That said, Proverbs 29.26 does say that a leader can improve his or her ability to function during the “flood of the many” by being spiritually sensitive. Similarly, leaders must not be so driven by the tyranny of the immediate that they neglect that which is strategic and long-term.
Hence, I build my capacity as a leader to use good judgment during daily pressure points by recognizing the Lord’s presence. I then use that guidance to formulate a response that demonstrates good judgment.
Thus, I must remember that good judgment is spiritual.
Apply This Today!
One danger of becoming insightful and discerning is that I also become more self-reliant and self-confident. Although those are highly desirable traits, they cannot substitute for spiritual sensitivity.
The flood of the many requires that a leader become more discerning about the motives and intentions of those who are seeking that face time. Conversely, for a leader, the simple-mindedness of trusting everyone is deadly.
The flood of the many deals with request volume. However, it doesn’t deal with decision timing. An effective leader doesn’t confuse these two!
A leader must be able to think deeply and thoughtfully before deciding. Likewise, a leader must be able to think on his or her feet to respond quickly, when needed. What’s the catch? Knowing when to choose fast over slow in regard to thinking and deciding.
What’s the ultimate decision for a leader? I believe it is about our spirituality. That’s a choice each of us gets to make.
Therefore, good judgment is spiritual!
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